Welcome to new MIASA members 40 Knots, Budler Breakey and Associates, Watermark Marine and Yacht & Power Sales.

SAIMI recently commissioned Ernst and Young to conduct a skills review and identify emerging strategic focus areas for marine manufacturing. A draft proposal has been tabled and the options that were presented to address the binding skills constraints, have a strong industry/employer focus. This is a welcome piece of research that moots an Employment and Skills Development Lead Employer (ESDLE) structure to lead skills interventions in the sector.

Focus areas include sourcing experienced artisans, getting larger employers to train for the market, incentivising employers to provide work based learning and supporting employers in formalising specialist on-the-job training.

Innovate Norway will be hosting a Science Week in the first week of November with focus areas on composites, green maritime, design and gas to power amongst other topics.

DIRCO and Frost and Sullivan are finalising the Country and sector value propositions for marketing South Africa’s Ocean Economy. This is an Operation Phakisa initiative to market South Africa’s capabilities in African countries and to leverage the African Union Integrated Maritime Strategy.

I extend a big thank you to Simone Balman who has worked as the SABBEX Manager for the last four months. Simone is exploring her own business opportunities and we welcome Mark Smith as the new SABBEX Manager. Mark has worked with Novamarine and Nautic Africa and brings expertise in the equipment and commercial boat building sectors.

Representing the South African Boating Industry

It is the primary objective of MIASA to be fully representative of the boating sector, be relevant to our members and the boating industry at large, and assist in identifying and developing the market for our products.